Exploring new ways of seeing, new ways of being with an open heart and an open mind

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Buddy Consorts with Martha and Agnes

This morning, shortly after commenting to Grethe (Thyra) that Buddy had not yet chewed my maps and guidebooks, I went into the bathroom to brush my teeth. While I was doing so, Buddy was apparently busy checking out the notebooks on top of the table. I had not yet realized he could see the top of it and, well, while the cat's away the mice will play.

When I came back out to the living room he knew his goose was cooked. He led me on a chase with a piece of paper in his mouth. I had not yet been able to discern which piece of paper, but from the looks of the notebooks scattered on the floor, I knew I wanted it back in one piece. He ran behind the chair thinking it might be a good spot to get out of Ma's reach. When that didn't work out according to plan, he made a mad dash for the couch. From there, he jumped on top of the ottoman, a sort of King's X, he likes to think. King's X, as if.

As I got within reach, back behind the chair he went where he dropped the piece of paper and then made a quick retreat to the kitchen. He now lies under the kitchen table pretending to be asleep. No curtain call for him. He's probably familiar with the adage "let sleeping dogs lie."

Anyway, this was on the piece of paper he found most inspiring:

There is a vitality, a life force, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique. And, if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is; nor how valuable it is; nor how it compares with other expressions. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open. You do not even have to believe in yourself or your work. You have to keep open and aware directly to the urges that motivate YOU.

~ Martha Graham to Agnes DeMille

A regular Baryshnikov he is, that Buddy. He clearly knows what the urges are, even if he's not always aware of the motivation. And, it's impossible to stay mad at him for more than a second or two. Besides, I rather like having a dog that's well-read. Even if he leaves the pages a bit, uh, dog-toothed.

Ah, you gotta love him!Dogs are so funny, and well, Buddy seems to have a mom who is also quite funny. I like the quote about keeping our vitality or life force open to what motivates us. No shoulds or should nots. And so Buddy's force must have told him to remind you of this.

This is so funny, Teresa. I'm still chuckling.I can see him sleeping with one eye open under the kitchen table, and I'm sure you are right when you know his (desperate or cunning?) thoughts: "Let a sleeping dog lie!" Isn't it strange that a dog knows exactly when he has done something wrong. But he also knows how to handle it afterwards. He knows that Ma cannot resist his charm!!Buddy, you are bad! But now you are "well-read"! That's what they think! Prove it!!Wruff!

Oh Grethe, Now I am laughing. Love your response. He knows immediately when he's done something wrong and when I show up, he's "in the dog house." He's very good with the theatrically exaggerated sad eyes. Charmer. Love him more every day. And that's a lot.

My dog, who was originally named Homer but was later on called Rat, pulled a similar stunt when he carried off one of my epistles to my beloved, Essie Marie, which read, "Essie Marie, meet me at the usual place at eight.." My wife, who was not named Essie Marie, found the letter by the wood pile while she was laying in a cord or two for the winter. She moved on down the line after taking everything I owned but, as a final act of kindness, she insisted I keep Homer (Rat) to remind me of the good old days. Hee Hee Hee

Martha was certainly all about movement. Nice of you and Buddy to choreograph a little modern piece in her memory. No doubt she would have loved that buddy and the letter ended up on the floor for the finale.

That letter to Agnes has been one of my favorites. Martha was strong, in so many ways. She brought a whole new level of excitement to dancing for me...back before the earth cooled.

haha. Cute! I don't have a dog, but I do have an 18 month old grandson, who likes to investigate and examine my stuff. Good thing about Rylan is that when I tell him to put it back or don't touch, he obeys.

Chris, LOL. Ah yes, my own modern dance days were a hundred million years ago, it seems. I've always admired dancers with such discipline and passion. It's a good thing I'm not required to put on a black leotard and tights these days. And then suddenly have to run to Wal-mart.

gigihawaii, Not unlike grandkids, but they do listen better. He and I are working on it, but have a ways to go.

Manzi, I think he crossed modern dance off his list, but I'm not certain. So far, he's also tried out gardener and hole-digger. Summer break is almost over and he's going to have to get serious about what he wants to do with his life. :)

A dog, a reader, and - if his choice of reading is anything to go by - a pretty decent critic as well. I'm sat here waiting for our own dog to come home after staying with friends whilst we were in Spain. Can't wait - whatever they do you just have to love them.

Barbara, Thanks for reading and commenting. Actually, his rug phase passed a couple months ago. I think. Nothing expensive, but I really liked that rug. It taught me that nothing is safe. He is a sweetie.

farmlady, Maybe Buddy thought he'd had enough of those darn notebooks, too. They take up entirely too much of Ma's time. Thank you for encouraging him to be a good boy. I believe the last couple of days have shown marked improvement.

The love between you and your well-read dog delightfully shines through! I love my sometimes naughty cat, too, so I loved getting a glimpse of Buddy's antics. He is obviously better read than I, not having been reacquainted (since high school) with literature until I went to college at 48 years old. I devour the art and the many quotes on your blog. ;)

We who are so lucky have found nothing in this big wide world to measure up to the love we receive from our beloved dogs. When mine are chewing on "Whatever", I see contentment...their's, not mine. Lucy just finished munching out on my driver's license! I do hope the plastic covering doesn't clog her up too badly. :>( Enjoyed your reading as usual, girl. Give me more!